Mark 13:20

Authorized King James Version

And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κύριος

G2962

that the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἐκολόβωσεν

G2856

had shortened

to dock, i.e., (figuratively) abridge

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέρας

G2250

the days

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

οὐκ

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἂν

G302

should be

whatsoever

#10

ἐσώθη

G4982

saved

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

#11

πᾶσα

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

#12

σάρξ·

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#13

ἀλλὰ

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#14

διὰ

G1223

for

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

#15

τοὺς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ἐκλεκτοὺς

G1588

the elect's sake

select; by implication, favorite

#17

οὓς

G3739

whom

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#18

ἐξελέξατο

G1586

he hath chosen

to select

#19

ἐκολόβωσεν

G2856

had shortened

to dock, i.e., (figuratively) abridge

#20

τὰς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

ἡμέρας

G2250

the days

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Mark. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Mark Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Study Resources

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